Behavioral Intervention Team
Every member of the San Jacinto College community plays an essential role in supporting the well-being of others. We all may notice individuals navigating academic, personal, or medical challenges. Whether it’s a drop in performance, relationship difficulties, or visible signs of stress, these changes can signal a need for support. That’s when the Behavioral Intervention Team can step in to help.
Our Team Approach
Establishing
a system of sharing information across departments to identify individuals exhibiting concerning behaviors who may need support or may pose a threat to an individual or the campus community.
Developing
and promoting an online referral form that allows community members to easily share concerns about individuals with the Behavior Intervention Team.
Creating
an annual training for the San Jac community (faculty, staff, and students) on recognizing and referring concerning behaviors to the Behavior Intervention Team.
Meeting
regularly to assess and review concerning information about at-risk community members and develop plans to assist them.
Providing
ongoing support to community members and, when needed, further assessment to appropriately respond to potential threats of harm to self or others.
Recognize the Concern
Expressing general concern
Sometimes, subtle mood, energy, or behavior changes can be the first signs that someone is struggling. Addressing these with care can open the door for a broader conversation.
Noticing changes in performance or engagement
Academic performance is often impacted when someone is experiencing personal, emotional or basic needs challenges. Acknowledging this can give the individual an opportunity to share what they’re going through.
Encouraging openness
Offering a safe space for someone to express themselves is key. Let them know that it's okay to share their thoughts, and you’re available to listen.
Offering support
Your willingness to offer help can be the bridge between someone feeling alone and someone seeking support. Show them that you’re available, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Normalizing their experience
Many people may hesitate to speak about their mental health because they feel their experiences are unique or unusual. By normalizing these experiences, you help reduce the stigma.
Approach the person with empathy, letting them know your concern comes from a place
of care rather than judgment. If they choose to open up, be an active listener. Sometimes, just listening can be
more helpful than offering advice. Some people may not feel ready to share or may choose not to disclose everything.
Respect their boundaries and reassure them that you’re there whenever they feel comfortable
opening up. If they express that they need help, be prepared to make a referral to the BIT. Let
them know the BIT is there to offer support and connect them to the appropriate resources.Start the Conversation
Be Compassionate and Nonjudgmental
Listen More Than You Speak
Respect Their Privacy
Know Where to Guide Them
Behavioral Intervention Team FAQ's
Anyone who is concerned about an individual, including faculty, staff, students, or even community members, can make a BIT referral.
Referrals can be made by completing the “Reporting Form."
A BIT referral is not the same as a Mental Health Referral or a Conduct referral. The BIT can respond to a range of behaviors, from minor concerns to potential threats with a focus on both individual student support and overall community safety.
Mental Health Referrals are specific to students needing psychological support. However, these referrals may also come to the BIT and they will reach out to the student to make a connection to the appropriate mental health resource.
Conduct Referrals involve potential violations of the college’s code of student conduct. The BIT is not a disciplinary body, but rather is focused on student support.
Early Alerts offer early intervention for academic concerns.
Please note that these types of reports do not substitute the legal obligation of mandatory reporting required by Title IX for higher education employees or by other professional licensing-based reporting requirements.
BIT referrals are private and governed by FERPA, meaning the information is shared only with individuals who need it to address the situation. While anonymous referrals are allowed, the BIT may need to follow up with the person who submitted the referral or with other involved parties to gather additional information. Therefore, It is helpful if the referring party is identified. If you are unsure about identifying yourself in the referral, please feel free to reach out to a member of BIT to talk through any concerns.
Faculty and staff do not have a legally protected confidential relationship with students, unlike counselors or medical professionals. Under FERPA, they are permitted to share relevant information with BIT. This ensures that students can receive the appropriate support and interventions while maintaining campus and community safety. To avoid eroding trust with students, faculty and staff should refrain from promising confidentiality and help students to understand that BIT is a helpful resource.
As a member of the SanJac community, you are in a good position to identify who might need help as you interact with students on a regular basis and often in stressful situations. If you notice that a student is exhibiting behavior changes, having academic, physical or emotional stressors, or you just have a “gut-feeling” that something is wrong, make a referral to the BIT. A member of the team will then reach out to the student and offer support and resources.
Under FERPA privacy rules, the BIT may not be able to provide detailed information about the outcome of the referral. However, they will confirm receipt of the referral and may provide general information about next steps. If you have additional information to share, or would like to inquire about follow up from the BIT, please feel free to contact a member of the team.
